Fall Baking Must-Try: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Cozy, Golden, and Cinnamon-Loaded for the Perfect Autumn Morning

As the air gets crisp and leaves crunch beneath your boots, your kitchen deserves to be filled with the scent of cinnamon and fresh-baked bread. Enter the ultimate fall comfort bake: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls.

Warm, gooey, and naturally leavened with your trusty sourdough starter, these cinnamon rolls are packed with autumn spice and rustic flavor. Whether you’re savoring them on a lazy weekend or baking a cozy batch for friends and family, these rolls bring all the hygge vibes to your fall mornings.

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🍁 Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are a Fall Baking Favorite

• Sourdough flavor – Tangy, slightly complex dough that complements sweet cinnamon filling.

• Cozy spices – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves to bring fall flavor forward.

• Overnight rise – Easy to prep ahead, making for a low-stress breakfast.

• Fluffy texture, gooey center – A perfect balance between pillowy softness and sticky swirls.

• Seasonal perfection – Pairs beautifully with a mug of hot cider, pumpkin spice latte, or chai.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

• ¾ cup (180ml) warm whole milk

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling

• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Optional: ⅛ tsp ground cloves or allspice

• 4 tbsp (57g) softened butter

For the Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or maple extract

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🕒 Recommended Fall Baking Timeline

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for Fall

Step 1 – Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, egg, sugar, and melted butter.

2. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for quicker, easier kneading.

Step 2 – Bulk Ferment (Evening)

1. Transfer dough to a clean, lightly greased bowl.

2. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until roughly doubled in size.

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Step 3 – Shape and Fill the Rolls

1. Roll the dough out into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

2. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.

3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves.

4. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mix evenly over the buttered dough.

5. Roll the dough up from the long side into a tight log, then cut into 9–12 even rolls.

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Step 4 – Refrigerate Overnight

Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

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Step 5 – Bake (Morning)

1. Remove rolls from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 60–90 minutes until puffy.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

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Step 6 – Glaze and Serve

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and optional fall spice.

2. Drizzle over warm rolls.

3. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness and fall satisfaction.

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🍂 Optional Fall Add-Ins

Want to lean into the seasonal spirit even more? Try adding:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling

• Dried cranberries or apples for a fruity twist

• Maple syrup in the glaze for deep fall flavor

• Pumpkin purée swirled into the filling (mix with the butter!)

🧺 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Keep for 4–5 days. Reheat in microwave for 15–20 seconds.

• Freeze (Baked): Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

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❓ FAQs – Fall Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make these with sourdough discard?

This recipe works best with active starter to naturally leaven the dough overnight. If using discard, you’d need to add commercial yeast to compensate.

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What makes this recipe ideal for fall?

The warm spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), cozy aroma, and hearty texture make these rolls perfect for cool mornings, pumpkin spice season, and autumn gatherings.

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Can I make these same-day?

Yes! You can shorten the proofing time by placing the dough in a warm environment and skipping the overnight fridge rest. Just ensure the dough doubles before baking.

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What kind of glaze is best?

A simple vanilla glaze works beautifully, but for a fall twist, add maple extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or swap the milk for apple cider.

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Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes—replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a slightly nuttier, denser texture. Add a tablespoon of extra milk to keep the dough moist.

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🧁 Final Thoughts: The Best Fall Baking Comfort

Nothing says fall quite like cinnamon, warm dough, and a cozy oven. These sourdough cinnamon rolls bring the season to life with every bite—comforting, nostalgic, and full of homemade love.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, Thanksgiving morning, or just to make your kitchen smell amazing, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make fall feel a little sweeter.